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  • Speed

  • Acceleration

  • Range

  • Hills

  • Brakes

  • Comfort

Denago Commute Model 1 Electric Bike

Price: $$1,799

Pros

Lightweight, feels nice

Cons

Hard saddle

Bottom Line

A well put together commuter
  • Overall Score

Nerdy Stuff

  • Date Reviewed:
    Feb 2023
  • Price:
    $$1,799
  • Warranty:
    1 Year
  • Motor:
    500 Watt
  • Battery:
    48 V 13.6 Ah LG
  • Keys:
    Yes
  • Recharge Time:
    8-10 hours
  • Product weight:
    66 lbs
  • Weight Limit:
    280 lbs
  • Frame:
    Al Alloy
  • Seat:
    Denago w suspension/handle
  • Handlebar:
    26"
  • Grips:
    Black Rubber, lock on style
  • Brakes:
    180 mm Hydraulic
  • Throttle :
    Thumb
  • Bell/Horn:
    Bell
  • Display :
    LCD
  • Tires:
    2.6" wide puncture resistant with reflective sidewall
  • Suspension:
    Front Fork
  • Cruise:
    No
  • Speed:
    28 mph
  • Speed Modes:
    0 - 5
  • Range:
    45 miles
  • Waterproof:
    water resistant
  • Lights:
    Head light

Denago Commute Model 1 Electric Bike Review

Hi there, today I'm going to be talking about one of my favorite commuter bikes, the Denago Commute Model 1. For the price, it has a lot of the features that I look for in a commuter bike, such as high-end front suspension, a large and soft saddle with a seat post suspension, hydraulic brakes, an upright posture, and a lightweight frame. These guys have really put some time and effort into this design, which is why I call it a next-level commuter.

Now, what I love about the Denago is that it allows you to adjust the top speed from 11 to 28 miles per hour. And that doesn't just affect the highest pedal assist level, which is what I would have thought, but it actually affects all five levels. So, if you're new to the e-bike world and you just don't want to go that fast, you have the option to turn down the power. Here are the top speeds of all five levels when set at 11: Level 1 is 6 mph, Level 2 is 7 mph, Level 3 is 8 mph, Level 4 is 9 mph, and Level 5 is 11 mph.

Let me show you how fast all five levels go when set to 28: Level 1 is 9 mph, Level 2 is 12 mph, Level 3 is 16 mph, Level 4 is 19 mph, and Level 5 is 27 mph. 27 miles per hour is one shy of the rating, but this bike does have a cadence sensor, which means the faster you pedal, the faster you go. Then, if I really start cranking it, there's 28, and as soon as you hit 28, I can feel a lot of resistance kicking in the motor.

Now, if you don't like to pedal, the Commute offers a thumb throttle on the left side. It's the only cheap feeling thing about the bike, and that's for the throttle. The last thing I want to tell you about speed is that throttle is king.

Now, what's interesting is that if I'm pedaling and holding the throttle at 27-28 miles per hour... [Music]...if you don't like slow and gentle acceleration, you're going to want to skip this part. [Music] I wish they offered a faster start option like they did with speed. It's got the power, but it's just geared wrong for a fast acceleration, at least for my preference. Anyways, this bike caters towards those who like to ease off the line.

Now, how about motor reaction time? Typically, the higher-priced bike, the less time it takes for the motor to engage off the line. On gear one, there is about a revolution and a half before the power comes on, so it is a nice, gentle start. Then, cruising around 5-0 miles an hour, if I stop pedaling, there's a half-second delay before the power kicks off. And then, if I begin to pedal, there's one and three-fourths before the power comes on. And when it does, it is just very gentle. The reaction time is not my favorite. When I start to pedal, I want that power to kick in immediately and abruptly and fast. Again, that's just my preference. There are a bunch of you out there who like a more soft and gentle and a little bit of a delay before the power comes on. So, if you like that, you'll definitely like steady mix of throttle and pedal assist. Overall, the Denago Commute Model 1 is a great option for commuters who want a comfortable and versatile e-bike at an affordable price.
Now, what I love about the Denago is that it allows you to adjust the top speed from 11 to 28 miles per hour. And that doesn't just affect the highest pedal assist level, which is what I would have thought, but it actually affects all five levels. So, if you're new to the e-bike world and you just don't want to go that fast, you have the option to turn down the power. Here are the top speeds of all five levels when set at 11: Level 1 is 6 mph, Level 2 is 7 mph, Level 3 is 8 mph, Level 4 is 9 mph, and Level 5 is 11 mph.

Let me show you how fast all five levels go when set to 28: Level 1 is 9 mph, Level 2 is 12 mph, Level 3 is 16 mph, Level 4 is 19 mph, and Level 5 is 27 mph. 27 miles per hour is one shy of the rating, but this bike does have a cadence sensor, which means the faster you pedal, the faster you go. Then, if I really start cranking it, there's 28, and as soon as you hit 28, I can feel a lot of resistance kicking in the motor.

Now, if you don't like to pedal, the Commute offers a thumb throttle on the left side. It's the only cheap feeling thing about the bike, and that's for the throttle. The last thing I want to tell you about speed is that throttle is king.

Now, what's interesting is that if I'm pedaling and holding the throttle at 27-28 miles per hour... [Music]...if you don't like slow and gentle acceleration, you're going to want to skip this part. [Music] I wish they offered a faster start option like they did with speed. It's got the power, but it's just geared wrong for a fast acceleration, at least for my preference. Anyways, this bike caters towards those who like to ease off the line.

Now, how about motor reaction time? Typically, the higher-priced bike, the less time it takes for the motor to engage off the line. On gear one, there is about a revolution and a half before the power comes on, so it is a nice, gentle start. Then, cruising around 5-0 miles an hour, if I stop pedaling, there's a half-second delay before the power kicks off. And then, if I begin to pedal, there's one and three-fourths before the power comes on. And when it does, it is just very gentle. The reaction time is not my favorite. When I start to pedal, I want that power to kick in immediately and abruptly and fast. Again, that's just my preference. There are a bunch of you out there who like a more soft and gentle and a little bit of a delay before the power comes on. So, if you like that, you'll definitely like steady mix of throttle and pedal assist. Overall, the Denago Commute Model 1 is a great option for commuters who want a comfortable and versatile e-bike at an affordable price. It has a lot of features that make it stand out from other e-bikes in its price range, such as the adjustable top speed, hydraulic brakes, and seat post suspension.

The bike's reaction time and acceleration may not be as fast as some riders prefer, but it caters to those who like a more gentle and comfortable ride. The bike performs well on hills, although riders may need to help out on steeper grades. The brakes are reliable and responsive, and the battery life is decent, although it does slow down after the first 25 miles. Overall, the Denago Commute Model 1 is a solid choice for anyone looking for a comfortable, reliable, and affordable e-bike for commuting or recreational riding.

It has a lot of features that make it stand out from other e-bikes in its price range, such as the adjustable top speed, hydraulic brakes, and seat post suspension. The bike's reaction time and acceleration may not be as fast as some riders prefer, but it caters to those who like a more gentle and comfortable ride. The bike performs well on hills, although riders may need to help out on steeper grades. The brakes are reliable and responsive, and the battery life is decent, although it does slow down after the first 25 miles. Overall, the Denago Commute Model 1 is a solid choice for anyone looking for a comfortable, reliable, and affordable e-bike for commuting or recreational riding.